Notes When Buying Fire Extinguishers For Car Safety

Fire extinguisher is an indispensable device in every home, office, factory... It plays an important role in extinguishing small fires as soon as they arise, limiting damage to people and property.

Nowadays, fire extinguishers are considered one of the mandatory equipment for cars. However, choosing a fire extinguisher for this special position is not simple. So what should be noted when buying a fire extinguisher for a car? Let's find out through the article below.

Select the recommended type of fire extinguisher

As a rule, all types of cars from 4 to 9 seats must have an 1 fire extinguisher. Types of fire extinguishers deemed appropriate and recommended for use in cars are:

• Foam bottles weighing less than 4kg.
• Foam bottles with a capacity of less than 5 liters.
• Water bottles with fire-extinguishing additives have a capacity of less than 5 liters.
• CO2 fire extinguishers weigh less than 4kg.

Fire extinguishers for cars should meet standards according to the prescribed type and size. Do not buy a bottle that is too large to make it difficult to reach inside the car. It is important that fire extinguishers are used to have the quality inspection stamps of state agencies to ensure quality.

The body of a qualified fire extinguisher should have a stamp affixed by the manufacturer and be fully informed about the fire fighting environment, material, type of flame retardant gas, ...

Note the temperature and time of use

All automobile fire extinguishers are recommended to be at the correct temperature (between 50 and 55 degrees C). The flask should be placed in a cool place away from direct sunlight (column A, dashboard, on the chair, ...). Especially in the summer, these must be strictly observed to avoid the fire extinguisher exploding.

Each type of fire extinguisher has a different use time. When buying, users need to pay attention to the expiry date and ensure that the fire extinguisher on his car is in the best state. However, the fire extinguisher shelf life is quite long, so you do not need to worry. Normally, the life time of a powder fire extinguisher weighing under 1kg is up to 5 years. Particularly for CO2 cylinders, the shelf life depends on the amount of gas inside and is usually measured by weighing the cylinders.

Choose a compact fire extinguisher and purchase a mount for easy installation on the vehicle

The installation locations on the car are usually the car door, under the seat, under the floor, etc., so you need to choose a small sized tank. In addition, you should buy a specialized bracket to install and fix the tank more effectively. Avoid letting the tank swing back and forth when the car is moving.

Choose where to sell reputable fire extinguishers

Currently there are many places selling car fire extinguishers with lots of advertisements and commitments. However, you need to choose a reputable supply address to ensure quality, avoid buying the wrong fake goods, substandard goods.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

1. ABC powder extinguisher and CO2 extinguisher, which one is more suitable for cars?

Both types of bottles have their own advantages and disadvantages.

• ABC Powder Extinguisher: Can extinguish many different types of fires (solid, liquid, gas). However, powder can be polluting and difficult to clean.
• CO2 extinguisher: Non-polluting, effective on small fires, especially electrical fires. However, the spray range is quite limited.

Which type to choose depends on your needs and the space in your vehicle. If you prioritize versatility and the ability to extinguish many types of fires, you can choose an ABC dry powder extinguisher. If you prioritize cleanliness and suitability for small spaces, you can choose a CO2 extinguisher.

2. How do you know if a fire extinguisher has expired?

Normally, the expiration date of a fire extinguisher is printed on the body of the extinguisher. However, to ensure safety, you should also check the following signs:

• Gauge needle: For tanks with pressure gauges, the needle must be within the safe range.
• Pressure: Can be checked by gently shaking the cylinder. If you hear a slight shaking sound of the extinguishing agent inside, the cylinder is still usable.
• Rust, deformation: If the tank is rusted, deformed or shows signs of dents, it should be replaced immediately.

3. Should I refill my fire extinguisher at home?

Do not attempt to refill a fire extinguisher at home. Refilling a fire extinguisher requires specialized equipment and technical expertise. If refilled incorrectly, it could explode, posing a danger to the user.

4. Where is the safest place to place a fire extinguisher in a car?

Fire extinguishers should be placed in a visible, accessible location, away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Ideal locations include:

• Vehicle floor: Under the front or rear seats.
• Car door: Conveniently located for easy access when needed.
• Storage compartment: If there is a large enough and fixed storage compartment.

Note: Do not place the fire extinguisher in a location that may obstruct the driver or passengers.

5. How should fire extinguishers be maintained?

To ensure that fire extinguishers always function properly, regular maintenance is required. Maintenance includes:

• Pressure Check: Check the pressure of the tank periodically.
• Check Valves: Check valves and other tank parts for damage.
• Cleaning the bottle: Wipe the bottle clean with a soft, dry cloth.

Note: Fire extinguisher maintenance should be left to specialized units to ensure safety.

Here are a few Note when buying a fire extinguisher in a car that we want to share with you. Hopefully, this information will help you find the best fire extinguisher for your “loving car”.